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US Africa Command Area of Responsibility

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Area of Responsibility Family and Marriage Political Systems Economic Systems US InterestsOverview

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Geography 2nd largest continent 11.6 mil square miles: 20% of Earths land Longest river (Nile) & largest desert (Sahara) 54 countries: does not include Egypt (CENTCOM) Accounts for 14% of worlds population Area of Responsibility

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Family Importance The most important social unit Identity: Clear Roles Expected to share resources, hospitality, food, etc. Family & Marriage

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Marriage and Procreation Children represent the bond between their parents families The number of children is a source of pride and prestige Represent continued flow of life Represent continued flow of life Children also valued as a source of labor when necessary Children also valued as a source of labor when necessary

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Family & Marriage Women Perform most domestic tasks; care for children, sick and elderly; grow and harvest food Traditionally limited access to education and subservient to men by custom or law Status improving in most communities

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Colonial Period Europeans colonized & drew boundaries Ethnic groups: Some divided up to 4 different countries Some opposing groups in single states Conflict, war, & devastation Authoritarian Rule Europeans undermined & devalued African people Backed political corruption with military Political Systems

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Civil Conflicts Central African Wars: Rwanda 1994 Democratic Republic of Congo: 1 million killed Africas First World War Organization of African Unity in 1963 Independence Under-educated/ill-prepared to establish govt Problems with boundaries Many types of govt Political Systems

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Vast Potential Wealth People Natural Resources Most Underdeveloped 70% live in rural areas or small villages Most are farmers small plots of land Economic Systems

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Traditional Jobs: fishing, herding, hunting, etc. Large City Migration High Unemployment Income 50% live on < $1 a day Economic Systems

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Oil & Global Trade Natural resources dominate products from Africa Supply same amount of crude oil as Middle East 5 th largest supplier to US World oil prices affected by Nigeria & Libya Maritime Security Illegal fishing, trafficking, & piracy Inadequate policing of waters Piracy & sabotage of oil production facilities US Interests

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Armed Conflicts Political conflict & instability results in human suffering & undermined development Most of UN peace operations Lack ability to militarily participate in efforts Violent Extremism Counter-terrorism efforts Terrorist attacks on US embassies Kidnapping, trafficking, under-governed areas US Interests

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HIV/AIDS 22 mil HIV = 67% of infected worldwide Leading cause of death High infection rate of African security forces Inability to deploy forces Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) US Interests

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Area of Responsibility Family and Marriage Political Systems Economic Systems US InterestsSummary